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LTA Legislation

Karma made this Official Information request to New Zealand Transport Agency

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From: Karma

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

We requisition:

1. Evidence/link to when the Land Transport Act (LTA) 1998 was gazetted;

2. Evidence/link to LTA 1998 Royal assent;

3. Evidence of authority for an "infringement officer" and Policy Enforcement officer", since delegating or contracting out functions and powers were repealed on 1 December 2004 (what authority are you relying on);

4. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "infringement officer" and legislation you are reliant on?

5. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "Policy Enforcement officer" and legislation you are reliant on?

6. Has LTA taken over the role of issuing infringement notices, if so, when? And under what legislation are you reliant on?

7. The name of your insurers for claims, should there be any harm/loss caused by you;

8. Who is the policy writer for the legislation, statutes, Acts, and policies that you are reliant on, and where do they get their authority from to create such "laws"?

9. When purchasing a wake/car a notice would accompany the buyer as the new owner of the "property", this has since been changed to "registered keeper", please interpret what a "registered keeper" is, when and why this was changed, and who are the "owners" if we are now only the registered keepers?

10. Are the "owners" of the "property" liable for all debts, charges, obligations, duties and liabilities for that said property?

11. Interpretation of "Owner/s" and legislation you are reliant on?

Yours faithfully,

Karma

Link to this

From: Official Correspondence
New Zealand Transport Agency


Attachment image003.png
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Kia ora Karma

 

This email acknowledges your below request for information made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate section of NZ Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi for response. They will contact you if they require
clarification of your request, more time to respond, or if your request
has been transferred to another organisation to respond to. Unless more
time is required, NZ Transport Agency will send a response to you within
20 working days of receiving your request – in this instance on or before
26 September 2025.

 

If you would like to discuss your request with NZ Transport Agency, please
contact us by email at [1][NZTA request email].

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kôtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[2]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[3][IMG]

 

 

 

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Link to this

From: Official Correspondence
New Zealand Transport Agency


Attachment image001.png
12K Download


Kia ora Karma,

 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is currently processing your
request for information made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act). It appears likely that your original request will need to be
clarified to enable us to respond. Please note, any clarification or
amendment of a request is considered to be a new request for the purpose
of calculating the maximum statutory timeframe for response—see section
15(1AA) of the Official Information Act.

 

Some of the information you have requested is available online.

 

 1. Evidence/link to when the Land Transport Act (LTA) 1998 was gazetted;

 

The Gazette website contains all notices published since 2000. You can
search for gazette notices published before 2000 by contacting the Gazette
Office, the National Library or your local library.

 

 2. Evidence/link to LTA 1998 Royal assent;

 

Evidence of Royal Assent in 1998 can be found by checking the specific Act
of Parliament, on the New Zealand Legislation website, where the Act's
front page or text will state the date of Royal Assent:
[1]https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publ...

 

I have interpreted the questions 3-8 as asking about NZTA taking over the
issuing of safety camera infringement notices. Can you please clarify
whether this is what you are referring to?

 

3. Evidence of authority for an "infringement officer" and Policy
Enforcement officer", since delegating or contracting out functions and
powers were repealed on 1 December 2004 (what authority are you relying
on);

 

4. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "infringement officer" and legislation you
are reliant on?

 

5. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "Policy Enforcement officer" and
legislation you are reliant on?

 

6. Has LTA taken over the role of issuing infringement notices, if so,
when? And under what legislation are you reliant on?

 

7. The name of your insurers for claims, should there be any harm/loss
caused by you;

 

8. Who is the policy writer for the legislation, statutes, Acts, and
policies that you are reliant on, and where do they get their authority
from to create such "laws"?

 

I have interpreted questions 9-11 as asking information about the
difference between registering for or owning a vehicle.

 

“Registered keeper” is a term used in UK legislation. Land Transport
(Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011 refers to
“registered person”. Could you please confirm if you are wanting to
receive information on a “registered persons” responsibilities versus
owners responsibilities? Can you also please clarify what you mean by
purchasing a wake?

 

Some information on this can be found on our website here:

[2]Your responsibilities as the registered person | NZ Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi

[3]Change of vehicle ownership | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

 

 

9. When purchasing a wake/car a notice would accompany the buyer as the
new owner of the "property", this has since been changed to "registered
keeper", please interpret what a "registered keeper" is, when and why this
was changed, and who are the "owners" if we are now only the registered
keepers?

 

10. Are the "owners" of the "property" liable for all debts, charges,
obligations, duties and liabilities for that said property?

 

11. Interpretation of "Owner/s" and legislation you are reliant on?

 

Please confirm that our understanding of your request is correct. Note
that your request will not be considered to have been received for the
purposes of the Act until we receive your confirmation that we have
correctly understood your request.

 

Once you have clarified your request, we will progress it accordingly
under the Act. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to
discuss this further.

 

Ngā mihi

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[4]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[5][IMG]

 

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Karma

Dear Official Correspondence,

Thank you for your email requesting clarification

You replied: Some of the information you have requested is available online.

You replied: 1. Evidence/link to when the Land Transport Act (LTA) 1998 was gazetted;

However, i have to contact the Gazette Office for notices published before 2000

The Gazette website contains all notices published since 2000. You can
search for gazette notices published before 2000 by contacting the Gazette
Office, the National Library or your local library.

You replied: 2. Evidence/link to LTA 1998 Royal assent;

However, i looked prior to requesting this information and couldn't find it

Evidence of Royal Assent in 1998 can be found by checking the specific Act
of Parliament, on the New Zealand Legislation website, where the Act's
front page or text will state the date of Royal Assent:
[1]https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publ...

You replied: I have interpreted the questions 3-8 as asking about NZTA taking over the
issuing of "safety camera" (i never mentioned "safety camera" in my request, is this your justification of issuing infringement notices / revenue collecting)? infringement notices. Can you please clarify
whether this is what you are referring to?

My request: 3. Evidence of authority for an "infringement officer" and Policy Enforcement officer", since delegating or contracting out functions and powers were repealed on 1 December 2004 (what authority are you relying on);

My clarification: as no-one has the right to interfere with someone going about their day in their pursuit of happiness, what legislation / authority are you reliant on for inteferring with someone's pursuit of happiness without lawful authority, i.e. what authority are you relying on to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day?

My request 4. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "infringement officer" and legislation you are reliant on?

My clarification: Your legislation refers to "infringement officer", what is your interpretation of an "infringement officer" and what lawful authority do they have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations?

My request: 5. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "Policy Enforcement officer" and legislation you are reliant on?

My clarification: Your legislation refers to "Policy Enforcement officer", what is your interpretation of a "Policy Enforcement officer" and what lawful authority do they have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations?

My request: 6. Has LTA taken over the role of issuing infringement notices, if so, when? And under what legislation are you reliant on?

My clarification: It appears that the LTA is now giving out infringement notices, as reported by local people in our area; what lawful authority does the Land Transport Agency have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations, if so please provide proof of any obligations to comply with any demand?

My request: 7. The name of your insurers for claims, should there be any harm/loss caused by you;

My clarification: As part of your obligations every employee must be a "fit and proper person", if they cause harm you have insurances to cover the harm they caused, what is the name of your insurers and what is your liability limit?

My Request: 8. Who is the policy writer for the legislation, statutes, Acts, and policies that you are reliant on, and where do the policy writers get their authority from to create such "laws"?

My clarification: As nothing can be done to prejudice the people eg cause harm; policy writers (Policy teams and public servants who write for Parliament, legislation, statues and acts) are obligated to the people. If you are reliant on the people being obligated to Parliament, what legislation are you reliant on and where do you get authority to force your demands on the people, as servants of the public cannot obligate the people, impose their will upon the people, and cannot cause harm,

You replied: I have interpreted questions 9-11 as asking information about the difference between registering for or owning a vehicle.

My request: 9. When purchasing a waka / car a notice would accompany the buyer as the new owner of the "property", this has since been changed to "registered keeper", please interpret what a "registered keeper" is, when and why this was changed, and who are the "owners" if we are now only the registered keepers?

My clarification: Originally when purchasing a new waka / car the documentation received from LTA would state that you are the new owner of the waka, this was later changed to the new "registered keeper", what is a "new owner" v "registered keeper", when was this changed and why was it changed and what does that mean for the record being a "registered keeper"? And who is the owner?

You repied: “Registered keeper” is a term used in UK legislation. Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011 refers to “registered person”. Could you please confirm if you are wanting to receive information on a “registered persons” responsibilities versus owners responsibilities? Can you also please clarify what you mean by purchasing a wake? (waka)

You repied: Some information on this can be found on our website here:

[2]Your responsibilities as the registered person | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[3]Change of vehicle ownership | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

My request: 10. Are the "owners" of the "property" liable for all debts, charges,obligations, duties and liabilities for that said property?

If we are not the owner, who is the owner? And wouldn't the owner be responsible for all debts, charges, obligations, duties, and liabilities for the waka?

My request: 11. Interpretation of "Owner/s" and legislation you are reliant on?

Where is the interpretation of "owners" Are the owners the trustees? If so, who are the beneficiaries and who is the settlor? (Trust Act 2019)

You replied: Please confirm that our understanding of your request is correct. Note that your request will not be considered to have been received for the purposes of the Act until we receive your confirmation that we have correctly understood your request.

My clarification:I hope this clarifies our request.

You replied: Once you have clarified your request, we will progress it accordingly under the Act. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to discuss this further.

Yours sincerely,

Karma

Link to this

From: Official Correspondence
New Zealand Transport Agency


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12K Download


Kia ora Karma

We’re writing to let you know that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s
guidelines, the timeframe for processing your request has been reset
following the below clarification you provided on 2 September 2025.

 

You can now expect a response on or before 30 September 2025.

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kôtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[1]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[2][IMG]

 

 

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Official Correspondence
New Zealand Transport Agency


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Attachment OIA 19459 response.pdf
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Kia ora Karma

 

Please find attached the response to your request of 29 August 2025 for
information under the Official Information Act 1982.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[1]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[2][IMG]

 

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Karma

Dear Official Correspondence,

The reply to this OIA by Prisca Gain Team Leader, Ministerial Services, failed to answer the questions by deflecting and writing irrelevant answers, which I have replied to below with a “NEW ANSWER”

26 September 2025

Karma
[FYI request #32156 email]
REF: OIA- 19459

Dear Karma

Request made under the Official Information Act 1982

Thank you for your email of 29 August 2025 requesting the information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), and for clarifying your request on 2 September 2025. I have responded to each
part of your request below:

You replied: 1. Evidence/link to when the Land Transport Act (LTA) 1998 was gazetted;

The Gazette does not publish Acts of legislation themselves. The Land Transport Act 1998 (the LTA)
is published by Parliamentary Counsel Office at:
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/....

NEW ANSWER — You provided the above link that takes you to the Land Transport Act 1998 where the Act is published by PCO considered constituted as a separate statutory office created by Parliament, however by implied consent

NEW ANSWER —You replied: 2. Evidence/link to LTA 1998 Royal assent;

However, i looked prior to requesting this information and couldn't find it

Evidence of Royal Assent in 1998 can be found by checking the specific Act of Parliament, on the New Zealand Legislation website, where the Act's front page or text will state the date of Royal Assent:
[1] www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/....

NEW ANSWER — The above link takes you to the Land Transport Act 1998 where the date of assent is listed as 8 December 1998.

You have referred to the Royal assent as “The date of assent that is listed as 8 December 1998”
However the term “royal assent” and “date of assent” refer to different aspects of legislative process; “royal assent” is the act of giving approval into law (or in NZ refers to the colour of Law), whereas the “date of assent” is a specific day on which the approval is formally given

No Royal assent provided

Therefore, you have failed to answer the question

NEW ANSWER —You replied: I have interpreted the questions 3-8 as asking about NZTA taking over the issuing of "safety camera"

‘Infringement notices" Can you please clarify whether this is what you are referring to?

NEW ANSWER — An infringement notice refers to a minor offence (speeding or parking) that does not result in a criminal conviction

As you have not specified which type of infringement notices you are seeking information on, I have interpreted questions 3-8 as seeking information about infringement notices relating to offences
detected by safety cameras and tolling.

NEW ANSWER — How many references are there to an “infringement notice’ at no time have i mentioned "safety camera" in my request, is this your justification of issuing infringement notices / revenue collecting?

NEW ANSWER —To reply to your “offences detected by safety cameras and tolling” if there is an alleged offence having been committed, there must be a man or woman who must be willing to be summons to give evidence as the accused has the right to face their accuser

NEW ANSWER —“Offences detected by safety cameras and tolling” are victimless crimes, as such, are they for generating pecuniary gains?

________________________________________
My request: 3. Evidence of authority for an "infringement officer" and Policy Enforcement officer",
since delegating or contracting out functions and powers were repealed on 1 December 2004 (what authority are you relying on);

My clarification: as no-one has the right to interfere with someone going about their day in their pursuit of happiness, what legislation / authority are you reliant on for inteferring with someone's pursuit of happiness without lawful authority, i.e. what authority are you relying on to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day?

NEW ANSWER — Infringement notices referring to s139 of the Land Transport (LTA) Act 1998 Issue of infringement notice

LTA 1998
s2 Interpretation
‘enforcement officer’ means—
(a) a constable:
(b) a Police employee who is not a constable who is authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner:
(c) a person who is appointed to that office by warrant under section 208 or who holds that office by virtue of this Act

“who holds that office by virtue of this Act” i.e. ... implied consent on the basis without material evidence its implied and not factual

NEW ANSWER —Part 9 Enforcement of responsibilities— General enforcement powers
s113 Enforcement officers may enforce transport legislation
(1) — An enforcement officer in uniform or in possession of a "warrant"
and
s208 Appointment of enforcement officers and dangerous goods enforcement officers
(1) The Commissioner may, "by warrant", appoint a person who is not a constable to be—
(a) an enforcement officer for the purposes of—
(i) this Act:

NEW ANSWER —Therefore, to request to sight authority is consistent with New Zealand law and Police policy relating to police authorisations and warrants; and is it not reasonable and appropriate to request to sight the warrant and the officer’s authorisation to verify their lawful authority to act?

My request 4. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "infringement officer" and legislation you are reliant on?

My clarification: Your legislation refers to "infringement officer", what is your interpretation of an
"infringement officer" and what lawful authority do they have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations?

My request: 5. Interpretation i.e. meaning: "Policy Enforcement officer" and legislation you are
reliant on?

My clarification: Your legislation refers to "Policy Enforcement officer", what is your interpretation of a "Policy Enforcement officer" and what lawful authority do they have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on
to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations?

Details about the legal framework which determines the role and authority of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are publicly available on our website:
https://nzta.govt.nz/about-us/about-nz-t....

As such, I am refusing this part of your request under section 18(d), as the information is publicly available.

NZTA's governing legislation does not refer to "infringement officer" or "policy enforcement officer". I
am therefore refusing this part of your request under section 18(e) of the Act as the document alleged to contain the information requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found.

The LTA does refer to an ‘enforcement officer’. The interpretation for an enforcement officer can be found in section (2)(1) of the LTA which I have copied for your reference below:

enforcement officer means—
(a) a constable:
(b) a Police employee who is not a constable who is authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner:

RELEVANT ANSWER —(c) a person who is appointed to that office by warrant under section 208 or who holds that office by virtue of this Act: (i.e. by presumption)

(d) the Agency, in the circumstances set out in section 208A

NEW ANSWER — AND repeats: “Therefore to request to sight authority is consistent with New Zealand law and Police policy relating to police authorisations and warrants; and is it not reasonable and appropriate to request to sight the warrant and the officer’s authorisation to verify their lawful authority to act?”

My request: 6. Has LTA taken over the role of issuing infringement notices, if so, when? And under what legislation are you reliant on?

2
________________________________________
My clarification: It appears that the LTA is now giving out infringement notices, as reported by local
people in our area; what lawful authority does the Land Transport Agency have to make any demands and to interfere with one's right in pursuit of happiness and going about their day are you reliant on to be able to force these demands or any implied obligations, if so please provide proof of any obligations to comply with any demand?

NZTA has authority under the LTA, the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, the Land Transport (Administration Fees for Recovery of Unpaid Tolls) Regulations 2008, and the Land Transport (Infringement and Reminder Notices) Regulations 2012 to issue notices for certain
regulatory breaches, including infringement notices for unpaid tolls and offences identified by safety cameras.

NEW ANSWER — You state NZTA has authority appointed under the LTA

However, LTA 1998 s208 Appointment of enforcement officers and dangerous goods enforcement officers
(1) The Commissioner may, "by warrant", appoint a person who is not a constable to be—
(a) an enforcement officer for the purposes of—
(i) this Act:

NEW ANSWER —However, LTA 1998 s203 Authority may delegate functions or powers to employees
[Repealed]
Section 203: repealed, on 1 December 2004, by section 11(1)(j) of the Land Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 96).

Police, Policy Enforcers and NZTA Agents ‘must’ be warranted therefore, it is reasonable to request to sight this warrant as a sign of authority, otherwise it remains a presumption of authority.

NEW ANSWER —Does the authority for NZTA to charge infringement fees and require payment of these fees come from legislation passed by Parliament (by Parliament for Parliament) and delegated to enforcement agencies such as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the Police?

NEW ANSWER — under the Policing Act 2008 Subpart 5—Command and control of Police

s30 Command and control
(4) No Police employee may, when exercising any power or carrying out any function or duty, act under the direction, command, or control of—
(a) a Minister of the Crown;

So your policy developed by the Ministry of Transport is not inforcable by NZ police and is only for Acts that binds the Crown?

And as NZTA is the Crown, as such under statutory legislation, issue statutory penalties intended to promote “compliance” with transport laws, however, as no-one can force compliance these penalties/Acts that bind the Crown, are implied to bind everyone, however without evidence remains a presumption

Regarding the issuing of infringement notices for offences detected by safety cameras, the decision for the ownership and operation of the camera network to be transferred from NZ Police to NZTA was made by Cabinet in 2019. After a 12-month period of transition, on 1 July 2025, NZTA became solely responsible for the operation of the safety camera network, formerly operated by NZ Police.

Further information about this can be found on our website:
https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safe....

NEW ANSWER — Cabinet/Parliament is man-made and only applies to statutory (implied) legislation “Public laws are enforceable by virtue (Presumption on account of holding another office) of legislative authority” and its imperative that we sight all warrants of claimed authority under the law of equity

NEW ANSWER —Please reference legislation that you are reliant on where it states man made legislation—made by Cabinet/Parliament applies to men and women where it refers to "people"/man full of life or in-being (as referred to living e.g. in the perpetuities act 1964)

My request: 7. The name of your insurers for claims, should there be any harm/loss caused by you;

My clarification: As part of your obligations every employee must be a "fit and proper person", if they cause harm you have insurances to cover the harm they caused, what is the name of your insurers and what is your liability limit?

As displayed on our website, NZTA holds Principal Arranged Insurance (PAI) through Marsh for public liability and contract works:
https://nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/high....

Since this information is publicly available, I am required to refuse this part of your request under 18(d) of the Act.

Where NZTA is liable for a claim, that claim may be covered by our insurance. If a claim exceeds what our insurance covers, NZTA is responsible for paying the remaining amount.

NEW ANSWER — When an insurance claim is made it is your obligation to provide this information to Marshes, your insurers, why are LTA staff refusing to report claims made against them to Marshes?

My Request: 8. Who is the policy writer for the legislation, statutes, Acts, and policies that you are reliant on, and where do the policy writers get their authority from to create such "laws"?

My clarification: As nothing can be done to prejudice the people eg cause harm; policy writers (Policy teams and public servants who write for Parliament, legislation, statues and acts) are obligated to the people.

If you are reliant on the people being obligated to Parliament, what legislation are you reliant on and where do you get authority to force your demands on the people; as servants of the public cannot obligate the people, impose their will upon the people, and cannot cause harm,

Legislation is drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel Office and passed by Parliament.

NEW ANSWER — Legislation drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel Office is Acts that bind the Crown, the Crown being Agents and Employees?

Transport policy is developed by the Ministry of Transport.

NEW ANSWER — Who under the LTA 1998 s2 Interpretation Minister— means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant (all ministers must be a warranted)

And Repeats— under the Policing Act 2008 Subpart 5—Command and control of Police

s30 Command and control
(4) No Police employee may, when exercising any power or carrying out any function or duty, act under the direction, command, or control of—
(a) a Minister of the Crown;

NEW ANSWER —So your policy developed by the Ministry of Transport is not inforcable by NZ police under the Policing Act 2008 s30(4) and is only for the Crown?

3
________________________________________
Information on how secondary legislation, such as rules and regulations, are written and passed can be found on our website: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/about/w....

NEW ANSWER — Section 3 of the Land Transport Act 1998 explicitly states that the Act binds the Crown. This means the government and all its agencies are subject to the Act just like individuals (with a legal personality—“artificial entity”) or organizations (such as a corporation, legal structures) are,

NEW ANSWER —The Act through out applies to someone operating in commerce—drivers, vehicle owners, operators and all persons responsible for land transport, including those licensing drivers, vehicle registration, transport operators, and enforcement agencies

NEW ANSWER —Following signing by the Minister of Transport—

Draft Rules and draft Rule amendments must undergo an appropriate level of consultation as per s.161 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
For Ordinary Rules, this includes:
• publishing a notice in the New Zealand Gazette
• allowing interested people or organisations a reasonable time to make submissions
• Consulting with relevant groups and individuals both within and outside the land transport system.

NEW ANSWER —the Ministry of Transport and agencies like Waka Kotahi (NZTA) typically draft and consult on rules on behalf of the Minister, with delegated authority from the Secretary for Transport

NEW ANSWER —However, LTA 1998 s203 Authority may delegate functions or powers to employees
[Repealed]
Section 203: repealed, on 1 December 2004, by section 11(1)(j) of the Land Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 96).

NEW ANSWER —The Minister of Transport is a statutory officeholder, a Member of Parliament appointed by the Prime Minister and Governor-General to the Cabinet (can be appointed by unmerited favour/selection). Their authority currently arises from the democratic and constitutional government system, empowered by Parliament through statutes like the Land Transport Act 1998,

It is also noted: there is no specific "qualification" like a professional or technical license required to be Minister of Transport beyond being qualified as an MP and appointed by the government. However, the Minister is supported by ‘alleged’ experts in the Ministry of Transport and relevant regulatory agencies who provide technical, economic, and legal advice during the drafting process, for the benefit of the state, which is questionable as being disproportionate or disconnected from the public’s best interests,

While this allows elected officials to set policy directions aligned with public and political priorities; relying on expert advice for technical matters by Parliament for Parliament, it is reasonable to demand it should be by an independent selection body from the Minister, who acts on behalf of the government, which may sometimes lead to outcomes as benefiting the state more than individuals or communities

You replied: I have interpreted questions 9-11 as asking information about the difference between registering for or owning a vehicle.

My request: 9. When purchasing a waka / car a notice would accompany the buyer as the new owner of the "property", this has since been changed to "registered keeper", please interpret what a "registered keeper" is, when and why this was changed, and who are the "owners" if we are now only the registered keepers?

My clarification: Originally when purchasing a new waka / car the documentation received from LTA would state that you are the new owner of the waka, this was later changed to the new "registered keeper", what is a "new owner" v "registered keeper", when was this changed and why was it changed and what does that mean for the record being a "registered keeper"? And who is the owner?

You replied: “Registered keeper” is a term used in UK legislation. Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011 refers to “registered person”. Could you please confirm if you want to receive information:

on a “registered persons” responsibilities versus “owners responsibilities”?

Can you also please clarify what you mean by purchasing a wake? NEW ANSWER —(waka, as in waka kotahi as in New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi)

You replied: Some information on this can be found on our website here:

NEW ANSWER — You have failed to explain why when purchasing a waka, the NZTA waka kotahi form—“Buying a car” you were recorded as the "new owner" verses now, NZTA records you as a "registered keeper/person", What is the relevance to "new owner" verses "registered keeper/person"?

[2] Your responsibilities as the registered person | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/genera...

NEW ANSWER — The link only relates to information:
Registration
Warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness
Licensing (rego)
Road user charges
Buying or selling a motor vehicle

NEW ANSWER —The link you quoted does not provide the answers to the questions… as the government changed statutory legislation to registered vehicles, Quote—“like when Jacinda Ardern said the police can tow your car, as you’ve registered it, "are they claiming they have lawful authority to tow or impound vehicles under certain statutory (implied) powers”? As such all warrants of authority can be required to be sighted, as without physical evidence it remains a presumption

[3] Change of vehicle ownership | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

My request: 10. Are the "owners" of the "property" liable for all debts, charges, obligations, duties and liabilities for that said property?

If we are not the owner, who is the owner? And wouldn't the owner be responsible for all debts, charges, obligations, duties, and liabilities for the waka?

NO ANSWER —...

My request: 11. Interpretation of "Owner/s" and legislation you are reliant on?

Where is the interpretation of "owners" is the owners' the trustee/s, If so, who are the
beneficiaries and who is the settlor? (Trust Act 2019)

NZTA's governing legislation does not refer to a “registered keeper”. I am therefore refusing this part of your request under section 18(e) of the Act as the document alleged to contain the information requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found.

As previously clarified, legislation does refer to a ‘registered person’. The registered person is the person responsible for the vehicle, but this isn’t the same thing as the legal owner. The term ‘registered person’ is used because we only record the details of the person the vehicle is registered to on our Motor Vehicle Register (MVR). The purpose of the MVR is only to identify the person who is
accepting responsibility for a vehicle under traffic law for example for licensing, safety inspections, fines and infringements.

NEW ANSWER — NZTA Historical Context
Historically, forms and vehicle documentation focused on "new owner" as a simple term, but as administrative and legal complexities grew, "registered keeper" became preferred to clarify roles.

The MVR records the person responsible for the vehicle, known as the registered person or keeper, who must keep the vehicle compliant (licensing, warrant of fitness, tolls, and infringement fees)

The official form buyers and sellers complete to update the Motor Vehicle Register with the new "registered person." It replaced older forms that used "new owner."

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Further information about the registered persons responsibilities can be found on our website:
https://nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/how-the-mo...
registered-person#what-youre-responsible-for.

True legal title to a motor vehicle can only be proven by sales and purchase agreements or similar documents. The interpretation for an owner, in relation to a motor vehicle, can be found in section (2)(1) of the LTA, which I have copied for your reference below:

owner, in relation to a motor vehicle, means the person lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle, except where—
(a) the motor vehicle is subject to a bailment that is for a period not exceeding 28 days; or
(b) the motor vehicle is let on hire pursuant to the terms of a rental-service licence,—
in which case owner means the person who, but for the bailment or letting on hire, would be lawfully
entitled to possession of the motor vehicle; and owned and ownership have corresponding meanings

Section 133 and 133A of the LTA outlines owner liability for offences, such as speeding offences committed in the vehicle or parking tickets, subject to limited defences.

Under section 28 of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision to refuse part of this request. The contact details for the Ombudsman can be located at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.

If you would like to discuss this reply with NZTA, please contact Ministerial Services by email to [NZTA request email].

Yours sincerely,

Prisca Gain
Team Leader, Ministerial Services

Yours sincerely,

Karma

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From: Official Correspondence
New Zealand Transport Agency


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Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kôtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
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